Should You Go Back to School?

June 10, 2010, By Steve Thompson 1 comment

Many men fall into traditional roles and accept the plans that were laid out for them before they even graduated high school. Your parents probably expected you to graduate from a good college, find a stable career and stick with your chosen field until retirement — preferably with a solid 401(k).

But sometimes we veer off our chosen paths and decide we want something different. Whether you've changed your mind about your career or you want to expand your knowledge and competency in your chosen field, going back to school is always a good option.

Options for Going Back to School

You don't have to start at square one if you're thinking of going back to school. In fact, you don't even have to worry about a degree if that isn't your goal.

Major universities all over the country offer adult learning programs, which allow you to enroll regardless of how old you are and how long it has been since you last attended school. For example, the adult admission program at the University of Houston allows you to attend classes in a non-degree-seeking capacity. If you decide you want to pursue a degree, you can always switch over later.

There are also continuing education programs at colleges and universities. These allow you to obtain course credit and certifications that will help you advance in your career. This might mean more income opportunities or greater avenues of advancement.

Reasons to Go Back to School

In this tough economy, many men are facing job losses, as well as reductions in pay and hours. This is one of the main reasons for going back to school — you want to try something new and brighten your future.

There are some career paths that are more lucrative when you hold a higher degree. For example, educators can earn far more if they have attained a master's degree, and can even advance to administrative positions.

You might also want to go back to school if your current employer will provide incentives. Many large companies offer tuition reimbursement programs for employees who seek out continuing education courses, and there is the side benefit of advancing further within the company.

Potential Pitfalls

Although going back to school can be advantageous for men who are seeking better opportunities, it can also be a drain on finances. Tuition is more expensive than ever, and if you don't have a clear idea of what you want to accomplish, you're likely to start a vicious cycle.

You should never go back to school unless you know exactly what results you want to achieve. Do you want a degree? Are you interested in continuing-education programs? How long will you attend? And how quickly do you need to achieve your goals? It is expensive, even with financial aid. It makes no sense to drain your savings account when you don't have a plan.

Making the Decision

Before you decide to go back to school, sit down and carefully consider your options. Decide on a goal and outline the steps you will take to achieve it.

School will absorb an extraordinary amount of time. Classes, studying, projects and more will eat away the hours you used to spend playing basketball with friends, traveling with your wife, or driving the kids around town. If you don't have the time to spare, you should wait until your life gives you some breathing room.

If you do decide to go back to school, research institutions carefully. There are four-year colleges and universities, trade schools, community colleges and other options that you might want to consider. Determine which school will give you the best education possible at a price you can afford.